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Congress·In Committee·about 1 month ago

Congress Proposes Eliminating Out-of-Pocket Costs for Maternal Mental Health Care

Also known as: Mental Health and MAMA Act of 2026

Legislative Progress

Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Key Points

  • This bill would require health insurance companies to cover mental health and substance use treatment with no out-of-pocket costs for pregnant people. This means patients would not have to pay copays, coinsurance, or deductibles for these specific services.
  • The free coverage would start as soon as a person is diagnosed as pregnant and continue for one full year after the pregnancy ends. It applies to services provided by doctors or therapists who are in the insurance plan's network.
  • The rule covers both in-person visits and telehealth appointments. This is intended to make it easier for new parents to get help from home if they are struggling with postpartum depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges.
  • The policy aims to remove financial barriers to care during a high-risk time for mental health issues. By making these services free, the bill seeks to improve health outcomes for both parents and their babies.
  • If this bill becomes law, insurance companies would have two years to update their plans to include these changes. It would apply to most private insurance plans, including those offered by employers and those bought by individuals.
HealthcareLabor Employment

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Jan 22, 2026House

Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, Ways and Means, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Jan 22, 2026

Introduced in House

Related News

5 articles

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Mental Health and MAMA Act of 2026

Bill NumberHR 7227
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, Ways and Means, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(21)
D: 21

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.